Sunday, 30 September 2012

Victorious Conclusions from Riverside

At last, a win on the road. It has been a tough start to the season for City's travelling support, with arguably strong performances somehow undone by their opponents. It seemed to be almost City's estiny that every away match would be lost by a scoreline of 2-1, but on Teeside they reversed that trend superbly - and from a goal down to boot. This was a gritty, determined performance like the cunning Foxes of old, a backs-to-the-wall job done not by individuals but by a stellar team performance, seeing the new and old blend to devastating effect.

City got the rub of the green, too. Leicester had struggled to see things go their way when up against it thus far this term but for once, against the Boro, things tended to go their way. The prime example of this was in the Foxes' two goals, the first of which was arguably offside and the second which resulted from a looping deflection. Still, plenty has gone against Leicester this season and a little bit of Karma can hardly be argued against in this case.

Winners

Sean St Ledger

Having worked his way back into the team to replace youngster Liam Moore, Sean St Ledger has shown his class. Against a tricky Middlesbrough forward line, St Ledger held his own and stopped the home side from attacking into the penalty area. It is testament to his efforts that Boro's one and only goal came from some forty yards from goal.

Jamie Vardy and David Nugent
Whilst it was Jamie Vardy's turn to claim a goal at the Riverside, both Vardy and David Nugent were troublesome for the home side's defence. The pair are becoming quite a partnership, with eight goals already between them, working hard to chase the ball, win possession in the attacking third and pressurise opposition defences. Their perseverance is rewarding them with goals and their efforts cannot be understated.

Lloyd Dyer
Offered a directness in his play that caused Boro countless problems and, ultimately, won the match for Leicester.

Andy King
Showed the class and ability of a more experienced player, showing to Nigel Pearson that youth doesn't always equal better.

Losers

Kasper Schmeichel

It is becoming a hallmark of Leicester City goalkeepers that they are easily beaten from distance. It was Chris Weale's weakest facet and is becoming the same for the Great Dane. Schmeichel could - should - have done better to prevent Boro's opener, which from some forty yards found its way beyond him into the back of the net.

Matty James
Showing a certain weariness not uncommon among the younger members of the current City squad, the game changed for the better after Matty James left the field. His performances have been far from entirely convincing thus far but he remains a prospect, not a finished product, and is sure to develop as the season progresses.

Important Travel Bulletin

There are roadworks ongoing throughout the first half of the football season around Leicester that will affect journeys to and from the King Power Stadium. See our travel bulletin for more information.